Ben The Illustrator

What’s the name of your Infectious art piece?
These Are Your Friends.

You name all your prints after lyrics of songs – is your Infectious piece named the same way? (I’m guessing the title is not from Sweeney Todd lyrics!)
I never knew about the Sweeney Todd lyrics! It’s not from that I assure you. ‘These Are Your Friends’ is a lyric from a song of the same name by the amazing Adem. It’s a beautiful song: “These are your friends, they give out a nice warm glow”.

If you were to make Infectious a mixtape what songs would it have on it?
Mixtapes are the best! I like it when a mixtape gives you a little journey. This one starts at home and takes you outside with a smile on your face and your fist in the air. I can’t vouch for the last song working though, I’ve never heard it. Here you go Infectious, here’s your mixtape…

The Album Leaf – TwentyTwoFourteen
Adem – These Are Your Friends
The Free Design – I Found Love (Styrofoam & Sarah Shannon version)
The Title – Fading
The Polyphonic Spree – Sonic Bloom
The Young Republic – Paper Ships
Black Kids – I’m Not Gonna Teach Your Boyfriend How To Dance With You
Transplants – California Babylon
DJ BC & The Beastles (The Beastie Boys + The Beatles) – Let It Beast
The Polyphonic Spree – It’s The Sun
The Go! Team – We Just Won’t Be Defeated
Bonus Track – The Cast Of Sweeney Todd The Musical – My Friends (1979 original Broadway recording)

What car would you most like to see your Infectious artwork on?
Something vintage, like an old Aussie Holden. The early 1950s FJ Holden Special Sedan in a lush green would be perfect.

What’s the first picture you can remember drawing as a child?
Pirates! There were some pirates storming a beach with palm trees and some people said it was good. I think that’s when I decided that art would be my ‘thing’. I must have been about six. It’s nice that I now live in Cornwall, a place that’s loaded with pirate history!

You used to work as an animator for music videos – which artists have you worked with and can you share a memorable moment from that time?
I worked with mostly breakbeat DJs and musicians like Boom Boom Satellites and Cut La Roc. I remember being quite excited when I called up Skint Records to chat with the video commissioner there and Norman Cook (Fatboy Slim) picked up the phone and started chatting. I was straight out of college and ending up having a chat with such an iconic musician through my new ‘job’ was quite a treat.

What’s the most unusual thing that’s ever inspired a piece of your art?
A lot of my inspiration comes from travelling places and music. The Twisted Fifties series came from my love of Fifties advertising, backed with my complete mistrust in the media and government. If you look closely in my cityscapes you’ll find Adidas shoe-boxes, lit floors and ceilings that I’ve taken from 70s era New York discos, spaceships, heavy-duty cardboard packaging and Christmas decorations.

Who’s Speakerdog and can you tell us lots of fun facts about him?
Speakerdog is our heart and soul! He is a character I created a few years ago. I illustrate him for posters and exhibition pieces, Fi (Ben’s wife and his creative/business partner) makes him as a plush toy, and we also manage a paper toy project with hundreds of artists customizing their own Speakerdogs. Speakerdog is a mascot for the environment and a spokesperson for good times! He travels the world, spreads goodwill, cares about everyone, wants to vote for Obama and mostly listens to The Polyphonic Spree.

What websites do you look at for inspiration?
I like The Little Chimp Society and We Heart Stuff always has some goodies. I also give my full attention, enjoyment and respect to the guys at Thunder Chunky who are always interviewing and reporting on the best in visual arts.

Who are three artists that you’ve seen recently and loved?
Michael Lewis, he does some very nice design work and illustrated prints. Simon Wild, I’d like him to paint the walls around our back garden. FlipFlop Design, who we discovered while in Paris recently, ultra-cute illustration work.

What are your vices?
Liquorice, tea, macaroni cheese and the constant need to have music playing.

Tell us something about yourself that makes you blush
It took me ages to plan your mixtape, I feel a little daft but I actually listened to each song to make sure it would work together.

Are there any upcoming shows or projects you’d like to share?
We’re taking a break from shows for a while, but there is a big new series of art prints coming out soon, entitled ‘Wish You Were Here’ which will be available from BuyBenTheIllustrator.com. We’re also on the brink of releasing a series of Speakerdog Paper Toys by an amazing bunch of artists all based in Mexico, it’s La Serie Mexico! We’ll have a special Speakerdog event happening at Christmas time in Bristol UK too. Anyone looking for presents?

Any advice you’d like to give other artists thinking about submitting out there?
Stop reading this interview and go create something infectious for Infectious, go… right now… go!

Check out http://www.wishyouwerehereart.com for Ben’s latest series of stunning prints.

8/13/08